Carnarvon Gorge Camping & Bushwalks

We have been to Carnarvon Gorge with another meetup group twice in last 2 years. And we are doing it again in 2014. If you are interested you would need to book a spot for yourself NOW, as some spots from 35 sites are already taken (as of 28th May,2013). Carnarvon Gorge National Park camping site (only $5.45/night and better than many private ones) is one of the best in Queensland and it is booked year in advance. Later, if your plan changes for some reason, you can cancel and get credit to be used at another date at another park. And Easter holidays in 2014, fall in mid-April, so the weather will be more settled and perfect.

About Carnarvon Gorge: It is magnificent Australian wonder about 30km long oasis in the semi-arid heart of Central Queensland. Over the last 27 million years Carnarvon Creek, which winds for over 30 kilometers has carved down through 600 meters of stone, exposing rocks, towering sandstone cliffs, vibrantly colored side gorges with water falls, diverse flora and fauna and Aboriginal rock art.

How to reach: Carnarvon Gorge is about 700Kms (about 10hrs drive) from Brisbane via Roma (477km). From Roma turn north into Carnarvon Highway towards Injune (90km) and continue past Injune for another 110km and turn left to Wyseby Road from Carnarvon Gorge sign. Continue for another 44Km to National Park camp site, last 20km is gravel and this section can be impassable during heavy rains for conventional vehicles. (Note: There is no fuel after Injune - or 145km before the camp, so one should have enough fuel for at least 300km).

If the journey is too long for one day drive, there are good private camping sites on the way at Dalby, Roma and Injune.

Camping: We will camp at Carnarvon National Park, next to 'Day Use Area' which has 35 tent spots only. Camping here is allowed only during Easter/school holidays from 4th Apr, 2014 till 20th Apr 2014 for 5 nights maximum. We will reach there on evening of Thu 17th April 2014 and camp for 4-5 nights leaving early morning of 22nd April. The cost is $5.45/person/night (or $27.25 for 5 nights). But you can make your own arrival date/time as it suits you.

Check National Park website for their cancellation policy, in case your plan changes.

About gorgeous walks at Gorge:
There are about dozen spectacular and gorgeous worth seeing spots to see on the 'Main Gorge Track' (Class 3) which starts near the camping site. This flat track crosses Carnarvon Creek many times as it winds the 9.7 km path to Big Bend with large spotted gums where turtles swim in tranquil water of upper reaches of creek. Side-tracks from the 'Main Gorge Track' lead to those beautiful spots in the gorge. The 'Main Gorge Track' is mostly flat (Class 3), although the side-tracks (Class 4) involve some steeper sections. We can cover the Main Gorge Track and all other side tracks in 3 days but it will require fairly good fitness. There are also other short walks for about 1-2 hrs long, starting near the camping area. So there is mixture of walks to choose from. See below image for walks and general walking map of the area:

Drinking water, picnic tables, gas BBQ are available at the camp site.

Open fires and generators are prohibited. Mobile phone coverage is not available throughout National Park, although a public phone is available at park headquarter - 100 meters from the camp (coin operated).

DISCLAIMER: This groups is not a formal organization or association. The Group Organiser and/or Event Hosts take no responsibility for any mishaps that may occur at an event. Care is taken in the planning of events and members should read the event information before RSVPing to any event. Ultimately, members are responsible for themselves and their actions when attending events with this group.

Camping and Bush Walking in National Parks can confront an individual with various levels of risk, ranging from bad weather, wild animals, dangerous terrain and, most of all, poor human judgement. It is up to each adult to make sure they and anyone accompanying them are capable of completing the event. By RSVPing to an event, you are confirming that you have read the event information, understand that there are risks and that you and you alone are responsible for yourself and your actions

It was great Easter weekend with perfect weather for both camping and bush-walks. Carnarvon Gorge is a wonderful place to visit, it has varied scenery and is a dramatic rendition of Australian natural and rugged wilderness beauty. Sunrise and Sunset over the gorge has magical and stunning lookout views. This year more members (36+) from different meetup groups attended the event than previous two years and had chance to visit all the attractions. Thanks everyone for coming to this trip and making it a great memorable event.

We are arriving on Friday about midday and therefore will miss the first day's walk. We are at site 18 and then relocating to site 31 on Saturday. As we are unknown to the group it would be nice if you could introduced yourselves to us. Glen & Lorna.

Hi Glen, thanks for joining the group and attending this event. Most of us will be gathering at meeting point (location sent by email to all attendees earlier) for our daily bush walks briefing and then evening get together - so if you can come there and then can meet everyone. It is in the middle of main campground so can't miss it. Hope you will enjoy the Easter weekend there. Cheers

FYI: There are 34 confirmed bookings from different meetup groups. I have sent email to all the attendees with the important trip updates on weather, road closures, disclaimer etc. If you haven't received it yet, please check your junk folder because sometime email from meetup system ends up there.

A former member

FYI: I emailed our trip itinerary to all the attendees. If you haven't received yet, then check your junk folder because sometime email from this system can end up there. Otherwise send me your email address and I will email it directly to you

Hi allI'm interested in this trip, haven't been camping in years but think I have most of what I need.. my question is, are there any solo travellers attending or is everyone coupled? Dont want to be the odd woman out! I've checked the Parks website and there is still space, although can't see how you choose which campsite you get... minor detail though.Look forward to hearing!Thanks, cheersCarol

Hi Carol, there is mixture of solo, couple, friends, family traveling and camping on this trip. And regarding campsite booking, if you can book your site from the website or by phone, then do that asap. Although system shows availability on the different days, it may not be on the same spot. You can find that out only when start the booking process. Also if your plans are in place but can't get a campsite, then request here, someone may be able to accommodate you on their spot if your tent setup is small. Hope this will help. Cheers

It turns out there arent any spots available even though the initial search said there was... I am heading up to Emerald around that time so guess I might just do a day trip, as I would love to see this place. Cheers, Carol

Hi Dennis, if you have booked online, login again and download your camping tag which has site number+booking number. Don't need to change anything like rego number or name there. If you have lost your login password, you can retrieve from the booking system. As a last resort ring[masked] and try to get your site number+booking number. Once you got these details ask here, I am sure someone will buy it. It doesn't matter someone camping with other person camping tag (and different rego) as long as the owner doesn't turn up. Hope this will help. Cheers

Hi Angela, you haven't missed the boat. From our last 2 previous trips there, I am sure closer to date either you would get a site of your own when someone pulls out. Or you can share with others as sites are quite big and can accommodate from 4-10 people. Just plan your trip and wait for the chance to come up. Cheers.

A former member

Hi Sam, if you can then book for the days what is still available. from pervious experience there would be some cancellation closer to date, and if you are quick then you should be able to get a spot for 18th. Cheers

Hi Peter, book campsite ASAP (either at National Park campsite or the private TAKARAKKA campsite). Small caravans are ok at NP campsite. Check their link in the booking section for more information. Cheers.

Yes, TAKARAKKA ground is the only place over there for bigger caravans although some sites at National Park camping ground can accommodate 5-6 meter ones. From previous 2 trips we found that NP campground is much more beautiful (infact the best) than the private one and it is dirt cheap. Also all those walks with worth-seeing spots starts from this NP camping site, otherwise one has to drive 4km everyday to NP, park their cars and go for siteseeing.

REMINDER: Only 7 camping sites are left at Carnarvon Gorge for Friday 18th April. So if you are planning to reach there for looong Easter break, you would book your spot now without waiting any longer. It is only $5.45/p/n and Carnarvon Gorge camping ground and facilities are much better than many private grounds at costing much more.

FYI: If you are planning to go to Carnarvon Gorge camping trip in Easter, it is time to book your spot now before it is too late. There are just few spots left available at the moment. Booking can be cancelled 2 weeks before the date and credits can be used for another camping trip in 12 months period. Spot costs only $5.45/day/person. Booking details are in the event blurb.

We're about:

This group was originally started by two single mothers, Andrea and Mel, as a way to enjoy the outdoors with kids and also meet new people with a common interest in the outdoors. I took over when the group nearly lapsed in 2010 and try to organise trips each month.

I have co-organisers in Chris and Brian, who are also experienced campers like myself.

As camping fees vary from site to site I will endeavour to always try to cater to all budgets, including site suitable for dogs.

No fee's will be charged for this group, you will only be responsible for your own expenses eg: camping site fees (paid direct to camping ground).

The aim here is for us all to make new friends in a relaxed happy atmosphere.

If you know of any great spots to go feel free to post them as an idea.

Camping is a heap of fun but can be so much more fun as a group. We want families of all sizes to enjoy the great outdoors. This group is created for us all to head out in our tents, campers or caravans to enjoy the outdoors and the company of new friends in a friendly environment.

Join up now and don't forget to RSVP to the next meet up we'd love to meet you there.